Guidelines relevant to paediatric dentistry - Do foundation dentists and general dental practitioners follow them? Part 2: Treatment and recall

Aim This study investigated whether guidelines relevant to treatment of caries and recall for patients aged one to 15 years old had been followed by foundation dentists and other general dental practitioners. Method A total of 661 dental records were reviewed retrospectively. Results A total of 198 primary teeth had single surface cavities, 153 primary teeth had multiple surface cavities. Glass ionomer was the most frequently used restoration (132/198 and 50/153 respectively). No restoration (31/198 and 45/153) was a frequent choice. Only 12 preformed metal crowns were placed, and all were placed by foundation dentists. Eighty-three percent of patients were on a six month recall and 12% were on a three month recall. Discussion The manuscript discusses guidelines relevant to paediatric dentistry and a retrospective record review suggests treatment and recall guidelines are not always followed in general dental practice.